About

This compact clump-forming, tuberous perennial with deeply lobed or cut, blue-green leaves up to 25cm long and producing pale pink flushed white flowers in early spring.

About the genus

Dicentra can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided leaves and pendent, heart-shaped flowers, usually in arching panicles or racemes

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in gritty, well-drained but humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. The foliage dies down soon after flowering. It is best kept almost dry during summer dormancy
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down
Pest resistanceMay be suscceptible to slugs and snails damaging emerging foliage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free